Safety unit for a two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety unit (14) for a two-wheeled vehicle (10). The safety unit (14) comprises an ABS unit (30) for controlling braking, and a communication unit (34) for communicating with other external devices. The ABS unit (30) comprises: a power supply connection (46) for supplying the ABS unit (30) with power; a communication interface (50) via which the ABS unit (30) communicates with other units of the two-wheeled vehicle (10); a microprocessor (42a) for processing data and generating braking interventions; and a wheel speed sensor interface (54) for detecting at least one signal from a wheel speed sensor. The communication unit (34) comprises: a power supply connection (46) for supplying the communication unit (34) with power; a communication interface (50) via which the communication unit (34) communicates with other units of the two-wheeled vehicle (10); a microprocessor (42b) for processing data; a mobile radio communication interface (74) for mobile communication with external units; and / or a satellite positioning unit (70) for determining the position of the two-wheeled vehicle (10). The ABS unit (30) and the communication unit (34) are accommodated in a common housing (38), and both units (30, 34) are connected via a shared power supply connection (46) and a communication interface (50).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title:

[0003] Safety unit for a two-wheeler

[0004] The present invention relates to a safety unit for a two-wheeler. Furthermore, the invention relates to a two-wheeler having such a safety unit.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Electric bicycles, which combine mechanical pedal propulsion with an electric drive, are known to use an anti-lock braking system (hereinafter referred to as "ABS"). This allows for optimal braking of the electric bicycle, even for inexperienced cyclists.

[0007] DE 10 2022 202 972 A1 describes an anti-lock braking system (ABS) mounting assembly for an ABS hydraulic unit of an anti-lock braking system of an electric bicycle. The anti-lock braking system comprises the ABS hydraulic unit and the mounting assembly, which is designed such that an ABS hydraulic unit can be attached to the frame of the electric bicycle.

[0008] WO 2022 / 221233 A1 relates to safety systems, devices, and methods. In one example, a safety system comprises a safety device that communicates with a server. Such a safety device is intended for a micromobile vehicle, such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, electric bicycles, or electric scooters. The safety device comprises a processing element and a connectivity module configured to receive object data from a connectivity device within a short distance range. The processing element is configured to analyze the object data to determine one or more safety risks and to transmit one or more alerts or safe routes based on the one or more safety risks.The server is configured to receive entity data from the security device, receive security-related data from one or more data sources, compare the entity data with the security-related data to determine relevant security-related data, and transmit the relevant security-related data to the security device. The processing element is further configured to include the relevant security-related data in determining the one or more security risks.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is to provide a safety unit for a two-wheeler which is smaller and more economical and with which safety can also be increased.

[0010] The object is achieved by a safety unit for a two-wheeler having the subject matter of patent claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] The invention specifies a safety unit for a two-wheeler. The safety unit comprises an ABS unit for controlling braking and a communication unit for communicating with other external devices. The ABS unit comprises a power supply connection for supplying the ABS unit with power, a communication interface via which the ABS unit communicates with other units of the two-wheeler, a microprocessor for processing data and generating braking interventions, and a wheel speed sensor interface for detecting at least one signal from a wheel speed sensor.

[0013] The communication unit, on the other hand, includes a power supply connection for supplying the communication unit with power, a communication interface via which the communication unit communicates with other units of the two-wheeler, a microprocessor for processing data, a mobile radio communication interface for mobile communication with external units, and / or a satellite positioning unit for determining the position of the two-wheeler. The ABS unit and the communication unit are housed in a common housing, and both units are connected via a common power supply connection and a communication interface.

[0014] A safety unit is a structural unit or combination of structural units that contributes to increasing the safety of the two-wheeler. A power supply connection is a connection option for a power cable. The power cable can be electrically connected via a plug or permanently to the power supply connection. The communication interface to the two-wheeler can also be a connection option for a communication cable or a short-range wireless communication interface, such as Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi. Accordingly, a wheel speed sensor interface is a connection option through which a wheel speed sensor signal can be transmitted to the safety unit.

[0015] The satellite tracking unit makes it possible to determine the position of the two-wheeler based on satellite information. Various systems such as GPS, Galileo, or Glonass can be used to determine the position. The signals from these systems can also be combined to increase accuracy. The radio communication interface of the communication unit is designed to exchange radio signals with external devices (outside the two-wheeler).

[0016] By arranging the ABS unit and the communication unit in a common housing, the space required for both units on the two-wheeler and the number of add-on components can be reduced. Both units can thus be mounted in a common mounting position. By using a common power interface and a communication interface, a separate interface for each unit can be omitted, making such a safety unit more cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, the amount of cabling on the two-wheeler can be reduced.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a brake pressure sensor is provided, the values ​​of which can be used by both the ABS unit and the communication unit. By using the brake pressure, the communication unit can detect a driver's braking reaction early on and communicate it to other road users. This can, for example, prevent another two-wheeler following the two-wheeler from colliding with it. The value from the brake pressure sensor can also be used to determine the strength of braking, so this can also be communicated to other road users. This can increase safety.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, data from the wheel speed sensor is additionally used by the satellite positioning unit of the communication unit to determine the position and / or movement state. By using the data from the wheel speed sensor together with data from the satellite positioning unit, it is possible to determine the position and speed of the two-wheeler with high accuracy. This also makes it possible to compensate for temporarily missing satellite data. Position and movement state determination is thus improved.

[0019] The wheel speed sensor interface is preferably designed such that the wheel speed sensor can be supplied with power via it and the wheel speed sensor data can be read out. By simultaneously using the wheel speed sensor interface to supply power to a wheel speed sensor and for data transmission, an additional cable is eliminated. Data transmission via a current interface also has the advantage that the data transmitted via it can be transmitted more reliably than with a voltage-based interface. Accordingly, the quality of the data transmission is also improved.

[0020] In an advantageous further development, data from the satellite tracking unit is also used by the ABS unit to adjust ABS parameters. Using a stored map, the further route of the two-wheeler can be predicted based on the position. For example, it can be determined whether the vehicle is going downhill. This allows the ABS parameters to be preselected according to the expected braking situation. The ABS parameters can thus be tailored even more precisely to the needs. The safety unit can thus improve the safety of a two-wheeler.

[0021] Advantageously, data from a motion sensor is shared between the ABS unit and the communication unit. The motion sensor can be used to determine acceleration and yaw rates. Advantageously, the motion sensor also includes a magnetometer, which serves as a compass. Using data from the motion sensor, the direction of travel of the two-wheeler after a standstill can be determined more quickly.

[0022] The motion sensor data can be used to predict movement, including cornering, acceleration caused by braking, and terrain. For example, it can be determined whether a rear wheel of a two-wheeler is likely to lift due to the bike's lean angle. These values ​​can be taken into account when controlling ABS braking. ABS braking can thus be better adapted to the conditions, thus increasing the safety of the two-wheeler.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the motion sensor is integrated into the security unit, or data from a motion sensor can be provided to the security unit via a motion sensor interface. By providing the motion sensor in the security unit, a separate motion sensor interface and the associated cabling effort can be dispensed with. A motion sensor interface makes it possible to position the motion sensor outside the security unit at a location on the two-wheeler that may be more advantageous for motion measurement than within the housing of the security unit. According to an expedient embodiment, the microprocessor is configured to evaluate the data received via the radio communication interface in relation to its own position and / or its own state of motion.The data received via the radio communication interface can be data from other road users. By evaluating this data and the vehicle's movement and position, it is possible to determine whether a collision course exists. This allows the driver of the vehicle to be warned of such a collision early enough. The data also makes it possible to provide timely warnings of dangerous areas. The safety of such a vehicle is thus improved.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a single microprocessor is provided for the ABS unit and the communication unit, which is shared by both units. Instead of two microprocessors, only a single microprocessor is provided for both units. This eliminates the need for an additional microprocessor. The connection effort between the components and the microprocessor is also reduced. Thus, only a single piece of software needs to be developed for the single microprocessor. This reduces the costs of developing software for the communication unit and the ABS unit. This makes the safety unit more economical to manufacture.

[0025] Preferably, a hardware security module is provided, which is shared by the ABS unit and the communication unit. A hardware security module is a module that ensures the trustworthiness and integrity of data between components of the security unit and external devices. By using the hardware security module by both units, an additional hardware security module is eliminated. The security unit can thus be manufactured more economically and in a more space-saving manner.

[0026] The invention also provides a two-wheeler that incorporates the safety unit according to the invention. The advantages and properties described above are achieved with such a two-wheeler. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

[0027] Figure 1 embodiment of a two-wheeler with a safety unit according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic representation of a first embodiment of the security unit, and

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic representation of a second embodiment of the safety unit.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a two-wheeler 10 with a safety unit 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. The two-wheeler 10 shown in this figure is, for example, a pedelec, which has a battery 18 to supply power to a drive unit 22. In the embodiment shown, the safety unit 14 is arranged on a fork 26 of the two-wheeler 10.

[0031] A schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the safety unit 14 is shown in Figure 2. The safety unit 14 comprises an ABS unit 30 and a communication unit 34, both of which are arranged in a common housing 38. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the ABS unit 30 comprises a microprocessor 42a, which processes the incoming data and generates braking interventions. The microprocessor 42a is supplied with power from the battery 18 of the two-wheeler 10 via a power supply connection 46. In addition, the ABS unit 30 has a communication interface 50, via which it communicates with other units of the two-wheeler 10. The communication interface 50 can be a bus system of the two-wheeler 10.

[0032] The ABS unit 30 additionally includes a wheel speed sensor interface 54 for detecting at least one signal from a wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor can be arranged on a front wheel and, alternatively, also on the rear wheel of the two-wheeler 10. It is also possible for signals from wheel speed sensors on the front and rear wheels to be transmitted to the wheel speed sensor interface 54. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the wheel speed sensor interface 54 is designed such that the at least one wheel speed sensor is supplied with power. The wheel speed sensor interface 54 thus serves both for power supply and data transmission.

[0033] The ABS unit 30 also includes a brake pressure sensor 58, whose measured values ​​are transmitted to the microprocessor 42a, so that braking interventions can be controlled based on these values. A motion sensor interface 62 is arranged on the ABS unit 30, via which data from a motion sensor can be retrieved. The motion sensor measures accelerations and rotational rates of the two-wheeler 10. These values ​​are forwarded to the microprocessor 42a of the ABS unit 30 for processing.

[0034] For secure communication with the other units of the two-wheeler 10, the ABS unit 30 has a hardware security module 66 connected to the microprocessor 42a. The ABS unit 30 also has a satellite positioning unit 70, via which the position of the two-wheeler 10 can be determined. Based on the position of the two-wheeler 10 and a stored map, ABS parameters can be adjusted according to the expected route.

[0035] The communication unit 34 also has a microprocessor 42b, which processes data from the communication unit 34. The microprocessor 42b is connected to a mobile radio communication interface 74, via which mobile communication with external units, such as the mobile network or other road users, is possible. Communication with other road users is possible via Bluetooth, for example, or in particular via V2X (LTE-V2x, IST-G5, or others). The microprocessor 42b is additionally connected to the power supply connection 46 and the communication interface 50. The power supply connection 46 and the communication interface 50 are thus part of both the ABS unit 30 and the communication unit 34.

[0036] For improved position determination and movement state determination, the satellite positioning unit 70 is also connected to the wheel speed sensor interface 54. The wheel speed sensor interface 54 is thus also part of the communication unit 34. Position and movement state determination is also improved via the values ​​transmitted from the movement sensor interface 62 to the microprocessor 42b and / or the satellite positioning unit 70. Furthermore, the brake pressure sensor 58, the hardware security module 66, and the satellite positioning unit 70 are also connected to the microprocessor 42b of the communication unit 34. Using the values ​​from the brake pressure sensor 58, the microprocessor 42b can evaluate a driving situation and communicate this to other road users via the radio communication interface 74.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the safety unit 14. The embodiment shown in this figure differs from the embodiment in Figure 2 in that, instead of a motion sensor interface 62, a motion sensor 78 is integrated into the safety unit 14. In addition, instead of a separate microprocessor 42a, 42b for the ABS unit 30 and the communication unit 34, only a single microprocessor 42 is provided, which is used by both the ABS unit 30 and the communication unit 34. The complexity of the safety unit 14 can thus be further reduced.

[0038] According to Figure 3, all components, except for the radio communication interface 74, are used by both the ABS unit 30 and the communication unit 34. This eliminates the need for duplicate provision of these components, so that such a safety unit 14 can be provided more economically.

Claims

Claims 1. A safety unit (14) for a two-wheeler (10), comprising an ABS unit (30) for controlling braking, and a communication unit (34) for communicating with other external devices, wherein the ABS unit (30) comprises: a power supply connection (46) for supplying the ABS unit (30) with power, a communication interface (50) via which the ABS unit (30) communicates with other units of the two-wheeler (10), a microprocessor (42a) for processing data and generating braking interventions, and a wheel speed sensor interface (54) for detecting at least one signal from a wheel speed sensor, and wherein the communication unit (34) comprises: a power supply connection (46) for supplying the communication unit (34) with power, a communication interface (50) via which the communication unit (34) communicates with other units of the two-wheeler (10), a microprocessor (42b) for processing data,a mobile radio communication interface (74) for mobile communication with external units, and / or a satellite positioning unit (70) for determining the position of the two-wheeler (10), characterized in that the ABS unit (30) and the communication unit (34) are accommodated in a common housing (38), and both units (30, 34) are connected via a common power supply connection (46) and a communication interface (50).

2. Safety unit (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that a brake pressure sensor (58) is provided, the values ​​of which can be used by both the ABS unit (30) and the communication unit (34).

3. Safety unit (14) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that data of the wheel speed sensor are additionally used by the satellite positioning unit (70) of the communication unit (34) for position and / or movement state determination.

4. Safety unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel speed sensor interface (54) is designed such that the wheel speed sensor can be supplied with power via it and the data of the wheel speed sensor can be read out.

5. Safety unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data from the satellite positioning unit (70) are additionally used by the ABS unit (30) for setting ABS parameters.

6. Safety unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data from a motion sensor (78) are used jointly by the ABS unit (30) and the communication unit (34).

7. Security unit (14) according to claim 6, characterized in that the motion sensor (78) is integrated in the security unit (14), or data of a motion sensor (78) of the security unit (14) can be provided via a motion sensor interface (62).

8. Safety unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microprocessor (42b) is configured to carry out an evaluation of the data received via the radio communication interface (74) in relation to its own position and / or its own movement state.

9. Safety unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a single microprocessor (42) is provided for the ABS unit (30) and the communication unit (34), which is used jointly by both units (30, 34).

10. Security unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hardware security module (66) is provided which is used jointly by the ABS unit (30) and the communication unit (34).

11. Two-wheeler comprising a safety unit (14) according to one of the preceding claims.

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